Blood Pressure Information

Question: What are some snacks that i could have that would help lower my high blood pressure?

(Posted by: W S on 2010-07-29 15:13:32)

I really hungry and don't know what to eat, i 14 years old and i have high blood pressure and yes, i know thats bad, but what are some safe snacks i could eat?

Posted by: Chantal T on 2010-07-29, 15:15:58

I have genetically high BP............I hope you've been in to your dr. Avoid foods that are processed.......usuallythose come in bags and cans like chips, dip, crackers,candy bars.etc. Try to get foods taht are as natural as possible, lots of fruits and veggies. Ask yoru parents to buy you that DASH diet book taht has really good menus and snacks. Drink lots of water too! No juice, soda, gatorade etc.

Posted by: Tina on 2010-07-29, 15:18:19

Chantal T is right. You need to stay away from salty foods that can raise your blood pressure.

Posted by: john e russo md facm faafp on 2010-07-29, 17:36:02

There is no food or nutritional supplement that will lower your blood pressure although it is true that excessive salt may increase your blood pressure. The diagnosis of hypertension at age 14 is not common so I wonder if you truly have hypertension or if you are simply concerned about your blood pressure. In teenagers we do not have a definition of 'normal' blood pressure instead relying upon percentile rankings. A percentile ranking of 95th percentile or above based upon age and gender implies a high likelihood of developing hypertension as an adult. At your age a reading of 120/ 080 mm Hg would be 95th percentile. I wonder if you are taking any medications as this would imply that you have 'true' hypertension rather a concern about your blood pressure reading. If I may be of further assistance please let me know. I wish you the very best of health and in all things may God bless.